BJP alleges ‘whitewashing’ of the Nehru-Gandhi family’s legacy, while Congress accuses the ruling party of reviving old controversies ahead of Punjab polls.
A political confrontation erupted between the BJP and the Congress following the release of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, with both parties trading accusations over its account of historical events.
The memoir, which went on sale on Tuesday, traces Gandhi’s journey from her childhood in post-war Italy to her life in India, her marriage to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and her political experiences.
The BJP criticised her references to Operation Blue Star, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Babri Masjid, the Batla House encounter and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan accused the Congress leader of attempting to “whitewash” the historical wrongs of the Nehru-Gandhi family. BJP leader HS Phoolka also challenged her account of the 1984 riots, alleging that it sought to absolve the family of responsibility.
Union minister Giriraj Singh separately took a swipe at Gandhi over her observation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi tends to avoid eye contact with her.
The memoir also drew a response from Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, who defended her father’s political ambitions after Gandhi recalled being surprised by his suggestion of a leadership change.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of reopening painful historical issues for political gains ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, meanwhile, praised Gandhi’s political journey.
About The Author
